Balenciaga – under the leadership of creative director Demna Gvasalia- recently unveiled their Shoelace Bow Earrings, which retails for $261 (almost R4 000). But don’t expect any premium metals or precious stones, the earrings are literally made out of shoelaces. And the description is laughable. Balenciaga claims that their “black bow earrings are made from shoelaces, highlighting Demna’s ability to incorporate everyday objects into the house’s jewellery collections”.

From dirty, damaged sneakers selling for a small fortune, to those bizarre face masks worn by Kim Kardashian, Balenciaga and Denma continue to push the shock factor. And just like their shoelace earrings, their “trash bag” is also one for the books. Balenciaga’s “Trash Pouch” – a handbag whom High Snobiety claims was Denma’s fashion take on the refuse bags – is selling for an eye-watering $1,790 (R29 000). The bags come in blue, black, and white, and look identical to rubbish bags! Debuting the bag at his Fall/Winter 2022 show, Denma said: “I couldn’t miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag. Because who doesn’t love a fashion scandal?”